However, Chelsea and United are expected to step up their interest in Barkley, who is stalling on signing a new contract with just a year to run on his current deal.

Once regarded as one of the top young players in the Premier League, Barkley hasn’t quite lived up to expectations at Goodison Park so far, though he is seen as someone who could serve as a decent squad player for Chelsea and United.

Ross Barkley’s future is up in the air (Picture: Getty)

The 23-year-old scored five goals and laid on eight assists to his team-mates last season, but may be about to be replaced by manager Ronald Koeman.

Davy Klaassen has already been brought in, while Swansea City playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson remains a target for the Toffees.